On two consecutive weeks, League officials had the opportunity to meet with President Obama and administration officials to discuss initiatives of importance to communiites.
During the first visit, MML CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin, along with Hamtramck Mayor and League President Karen Majewski, Saline Mayor Gretchen Driskell, and Troy Councilwoman and former League president Robin Beltramini, joined other state League officials from around the country for a day at the White House. They heard from a number of Obama Administration officials including White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Cecilia Muñoz, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council Jason Furman, Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan on a number of topics.
At the end of the day, the local leaders joined President Obama for a reception in the White House where he thanked them for their public service and encouraged them to continue to be advocates for their constituents.
The following week, I was invited by our national partner, Transportation for America, to hear from the President on funding for transportation and infrastructure. Then, during a question and answer session, I was given the opportunity to address the President on the need for greater investment in transportation and spoke about Governor Snyder's own efforts to invest in transportation for our own state.
These visits with the President and his administration serve to highlight the continuing strong presence in Washington for the MML and its members. With work continuing on deficit reduction, its now your turn to let your congressional representatives know the importance that federal investments in infrastructure and other community programs have in preserving and improving quality of life in their district.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
b494d8f7-744c-44c3-9c75-2fd53ea09874|1|5.0
